Car-actuated circuit controller for crossing signals



CAR ACTUATED CIRCUIT CONTROLLER FOR CROSSING SIGNALS Filed Dec. 25, 1930 Patented Feb. 16, 1932 mire STATE MARK BRINEY, OF BROOKHAVEN, NEW YORK Application filed December 25, 1930. Serial no. 504,658.

This invention relates to a car-actuated circuit controller adapted to be used more particularly in the operation of railwaycrossing signals of the alternate flash type, and involves the use of similar but reversely arranged track instruments located at more or less remote distances from, and at opposite ends of, the crossing, each of which is provided with car-operating means for causing the operation of the signal while moving therefrom in one direction toward the crossing, but is rendered ineffective when the car or train has passed the crossing eyond the other instrument, and one of the objects of the pres ent invention is to provide all additional or intermediate track instrument having caractuated means for causing the continued operation of the signal While the car or train is passing the crossing in either'direction.

In other words the main object of the present invention is to provide simple and efiicient car-actuated means for initiating the operation of the signal while the train is passing in one direction and for maintaining such operation until the train has passed the intermediate or crossing instrument, and at the same time to render the'operation of the other first-named instrument ineffective upon the signal as the train continues to move in the same direction.

Gt-her objects and uses relating to specific parts of the apparatus will be brought out in the following description. p

The drawing shows diagrammatically a railway crossing signal operating system embodying the various features of my invention, portions of one of the rails of the track with which the several instruments are associated being broken away. I

; In order that the invention may be clearly understood-I haveshown oneof the rails l of a railway track as extending across a highway crossing zone indicated at fA, and additional approaching zones B and -G- located along the railway at more or.

less remote A A track instrument A isflocated within the crossing zone '-A adjacent the rail distances from the crossing zone 1 to be operated by a car or train in a manner hereinafter described? 1 A pair of similar but reversely arranged track instruments -B and C are located respectively within the zones 'B and C adjacent the track -1 to be operated-by the passing car in a manner hereinafter more particularly described.

The track instrument B comprises separate car-operated members 2. and 3j arranged in sequence toward the crossing and preferably closely adjacent the inner side of the rail 1' for transverse movement between the rails of the track, the ends of both members being deflected inwardl to enable'the flange of the car wheel as to roll between the inner face of the ball of the rail and members 2 and 8, for sequentially moving said members inwardly as the train travels through the zone B to the crossing zone A.-, said members 2 and .3 being automatically returned to their normal positions by springs 5 after the car or train has passed beyond both members. a

The member 2 is operatively connected to a movable switch terminal 6 of a normally open electric switch 7' having its other terminal 8 mechanically connected tothe member -3 through the medium of a leverage system '9- and connecting rod ,9 arranged in such manner that the in ward movement of the member 3 will withdraw the switch terminal 8 out of contact with its companion terminal 6 for a purpose hereinafter more fully de scribed. V 1 p The contact terminals '6 and 8 are electrically connected in the battery circuit 1O, deriving current from a battery -11 or other source of electric current supply. k V I The switch -7 is normally open but im mediately upon the inward movement of the member 2 byengagement of the car wheels -4 therewith as the train is moving toward the crossing, 'the'switch terminal '6 will be moved into contact with the switch terminal 8 to close the circuit '10- which comprisesbattery 11, wire 10,

terminals 8 and 6, wire 10, relay 13 and wire 10, but immediately following this operation the track member 3 will be forced inwardly by the same car-wheels, thereby op erating the leverage system 9 to withdraw the terminal -8- from contact with the terminal 6- for breaking the circuit which continues broken until the car or train has passed beyond the track member 8- toward the crossing.

Suitable devices such as dash-pots 12'- and 12 have their respective pistons pera-tively connected to the corresponding track members 2- and 3 to retard the closing movements of said members by their respective springs -5, also for a purpose hereinafter described.

The relay included in circuit is energized by the closing of the switch 7- for closing a normally open electric switch ie of a branch circuit comprising battery 11, wires 10 and 15, switch 14, wire 15, switch 36, wires 15 and 10, relay 13 and wire 10 so as to continue the energizing of the relay 13- and resultant maintaining of the switch 14l in the closed position independently of the track instrument B or until the car or train reaches and engages the track instrument -A at the crossing zone A- at which time said switch 14 will return to the open position due to the relay 13 becoming de-energized by the opening of the switch 36 as will hereinafter be more fully described.

A second normally open electric switch 16 actuated by the relay 13 and connected with wire 15 is electrically connected in another branch circuit 18 including therein a vibrating relay -19- and a make and break electric switch -20- that is connected with the negative side of the battery 11 by wires 18 and 10 and which has a self-closing movable member 21- pivoted at 2 2 and adapted to be opened by self-retracting armature 23 of the relay 19.

The armature 23-' is arranged to engage and open the switch member 21- instantly upon the energization of the relay -19,

thereby breaking the circuit through the relay for de-energizing the same and allowing the armature -23- and switch member -21+ to return to their normal positions for re-energizing the relay to repeat the operation, resulting in a more or less regular vibration of the armature, one end of which is weighted by a pair of radially spaced posts -2l-.

These posts serve as counterweights for returning the armature -23 to its open position and also for operating a vibratory switch member 25 of an electric switch -26 having a pair of terminals 27 adapted to be alternately engaged by the switch member 25 as the latter is oscillated in reverse directions by engagement,

with the posts -24- during the closing movements of the armature.

The double pole switch -26 is electrically connected with the wire 18 and in a branch circuit -28- including therein an electric signal consisting, in this instance, of a pair of flash lamps -2 which are energized from battery 11 through switch 16, double pole switch 26 and circuit 28.

It is now evident that a car or train passing the track instrument B toward the crossing -A will cause the oscillation of the armature -23 and switch member 25- and resultant alternate flash of the signals -29, it being understood that the switch members 14 and 16- will remain closed until the train reaches and operates the track instrument A' at the crossing 1 at which time the relay circuit 15- will be opened in a manner presently described, thereby de-energizing the relay 13 and permitting the switches -11 and -16 to open.

It is desirable, however, to maintain the automatic operation of the signals 29 while the car or train is passing the crossing A, and in order that this may be accomplished simultaneously with the breaking of the relay circuit -15 by the opening of switch 36, the track instrument A- at the crossing is provided with a car-operated member -80 somewhat similar to the members 2 and 3 in that it is normally spring-pressed against the rail by springs -31, and is adapted to be opened against the action of the springs by the flange of the car wheel.

The member is connected by a link 32-- to one end of a lever 33 carrying at its other end movable switch members 4 and -35- of corresponding electric switches 36 and -37, the other members -38 and 89- of th switches 36 and 37 being relatively fixed so that when the track member 30 is forced inwardly by the car wheels against the action of the springs 31 it will open both of the switches 36- and 37-.

It is now evident that the opening of the switch 36 will break the circuit 15 and thereby de-energize the relay -l3 to allow the opening of the electric switches -14 and -16.

The other switch -37 is connected in a branch circuit 40-- including therein an electric switch 41- electrically connected with wire 15 and having its movable member connected by the link -].'Z- to the movable switch members of the electric switches 14- and 16 for simultaneous movement therewith so that when the switches 1 land 16 are opened the remaining switch 4t1 will be closed.

It will now be remembered that after the relay 13- has been once energized by the -4l until the car or train actually engages and operates the member at the crossing -A, but immediately upon the operation of the member 30 from its normal position the relay l3- will be de-energized by the opening of switch 36 to allow the switches 1l and 16 to open and the switch 41 to close.

Suitable mechanism is provided for causing a continued operation of the signals -29 while the car or train is passing the crossing. For this latter purpose an electric switch 42 is connected in a branch circuit t3 which includes therein'the vibratory relay -l9, previously described, as the means for causing the oscillation of x the switch member 25 into alternate con tact with the terminals -27. of the signal circuit 28 for alternately energizing the flash signals 29, it being understood that the switch t2- will then be closed in -a manner presently described.

Associated with the electric switch 4;2 is a similar electric switch -44 which is connected in a branch circuit t5 including therein a vibratory relay -4l6- and an electric switch t7- controlled thereby,

That is, the relay 4G is provided with an armature 48 similar to the armature 23 in that it is provided with counter-. balancing posts L9- for operating an os cillatory switch member -.50 of an electric switch 51- having opposed contact terminals 52- to be alternately engaged by the oscillating member 50.

This electric switch 51-is connected in :5 another branch circuit 53 including therein cooperative relays -54= and --55- and an electric switch 56, said relays 5 l and 55- and electric switch 56 being connected in series and in sequence in the branch circuit -58.

Attention is here called to the fact that when no car or train approaches the crossing the electric switches 7-, 14 and 16- will be normally open while the electric switches 86-, ,37- and 41 will be normally maintaining the switch -56 closed against the action ofthe retracting spring 58 A. normally open self-opening electric switch 59 is connected in parallel with the switch -56 to controlled in a manner presently described, it being understood that the electric switches t2-- and 44- are of the self-closing type.

lhe means for controlling the electric switches i2, i4 and 59 comprises,

in this instance, a ratchet wheel 60- carrying at one side of its axis a weighted arm 6lwhich tends to rotate the ratchet wheelin a counter-clockwise direction, said arm 61- being provided with shoulders 62 and 63 adapted to simultaneously engage and open the movalle iernbers oi? the switches 42* and l l+ when the ratchet wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow a9-, the arm 51 being also provided with a shoulder -6%1 adapted to engage and close the switch 59 when the ratchet wheel is released for allowing the switches i2 and 4A- to close.

The rotation of the ratchet wheel 60 and its arm 61- in a clockwise direction is limited by means of a stop 65 engaging said arm immediately following the opening of the switches 4:2- and 44.

The means for rotating the ratchet wheel 60 in a clockwise direction against the action 01" the counterweighted arm 61 comprises a pawl 66 which is pivotally mounted at -6'Z- upon an armature lever 68 which is pivotally supported at 69 and is adapted to be operated against the action of retracting spring 70 by the intermittent energizing of the relay 54- in a manner presently described.

Suitable stop pawl 7 1- is pivotally supported at 72 and is yieldingly held in engagement with the tee-h of the ratchet wheel by spring 3.

The pawls -66 and -7lare preferably or" the bell-crank type having respective arms and c75 projecting toward each other in the path of the U-shaped arm -76 of the armature 57- which latter is also of the bell-crank type and is pivotally supported at 57. p

It is now clear that as longas no train approaches the crossing and with the switch 59 maintained in the closed position by the arm 61 being in its lowermost position the resultant closed position of the switch 87 willcause the relay 55 to remain energized by current from the battery 11 passing through I 0 3 u wlres '10 and 15 switch l]. wire 40 switch 37, wires l0 and 53, relay 55, wire 53", and,

-76 of the armature -57 out of contact with the adjacent arms 74 and -75 of the pawls 66 and 7l against the action of the spring 58, under which conditions the switch '47 will be intermittently opened and closed by the vibratory operation of the armature -48- due to the intermittently energizing of relay 46 by current passing from the battery 11 through wire 43, the closed switch 44, wire and through relay 46, switch 47 and wires 45 and 28 to the battery, hereby causing the oscillation of the switch member to produce a corresponding intermittent energizing of the relay 54 by current passing from wire 45 through wire 45", switch 52, wire 53, and thence through relay 54 to wire 53 and re sultant oscillation of the armature 68 which causes the pawl 66 to move backward and forward for rotating the ratchet wheel and its counterweighted arm 61 in a clockwise direction until limited by the engagement of said arm with the stop at which time the switches 42 and ,44 will have been opened by said arm.

It will be noted, however, that immediately upon the entrance of the car or train into the zone B-- toward the crossing zone A the inward depression of the track member --2 by the car wheel will close the electric switch 7 thus closing the circuit from the battery 11, passing through line 10, switch 7 and line 10 to relay 13, and thence through Wire 10 to the battery, thereby energizing the relay 13 for closing the switches 14 and 16 and thereby starting the operation of the flash signals 29 in the manner previously described, and that immediately following the displacement of the track member 2 the track member 3 will be operated by the same car or train to open the switch 7-, but before that takes place the closing of the switch 14 will have closed the circuit through lines 15 and 15, switch 36, line 15 and through relay 13, and line 10 to battery 11 for maintaining relay 13 energized and the continued operation of the signals until the car or train displaces the track member 30 at the crossing-A, at which time the switch member -36- will have been opened, thereby breaking the circuit through the relay 13 and allowing the switches 14- and 16 to open and the switch 41 to close.

It will be observed, however, that at this time the switch member 37 will have been opened, thereby opening the circuit passing from battery 11 through wires 10 and 15, switch 41, wire 40, switch 37 and lines 40' and 53 through relay 55, wire 53 and switch 56 to wire 28 and back to the battery thus tie-energizing the relay 55 which allows the spring 58 to retract the armature 57 and its pawl-operating member 76 to engage and trip both of the pawls 5 66- and 71 out of contact with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 60 and permitting the weighted arm 61- to rotate the ratchet wheel in a counter-clockwise direction until the shoulder 64 on the arm 61 engages and closes the switch 59, and at the same time permitting the electrical switches 42 and 44 to close.

This operation of the armature 57 by its retracting spring 58opens the switch 56- simultaneously with the tripping of the pawls 66 and 71.

at will now be remembered that while the train is passing the crossing zone 'A both of the switches 36 and 37 will be opened by the continued operation of the track member 30.

This closing of the switch 42- immediately cuts in the relay l9 in the battery circuit passing through line 43, switch 42, wire 43 and through relay l9 and switch 20 to battery through lines 18 and 10, thereby continuing the vibratory operation of the armature 23- by reason of its alternate opening and closing of the corresponding switch 20-, thereby effecting the continued oscillation of the switch member 25 and resultant continued operation of the flash signals -29- during the passing or the train through zone A in the manner previously explained.

The electrical switch 44 being now closed by the recession of the weighted arm 61 therefrom, the switch 59 will be closed by the contact of said weighted arm therewith, thus permitting the battery current to flow through the wire 43, switch 44, wire 45 and relay 46 and intermittently through the switch -47 and wires 45 and 28 to battery 11, which causes a corresponding vibration or impulsive movement of the switch member 50 into alternate contact with the terminals 52 of the circuit passing from line 45 through wire 45", switch 51 and line 53 in which the relay 54 is connected, thereby causing an intermittent operation of the pawl 66 and corresponding rotation of the ratchet wheel 60 and its weighted arm 61- into and out of en gagement with the movable member of the switch -59.

Owing to the fact that the relay 55- is electrically connected in series with the relay 4, the resultant energizing of the relay 55 will also be impulsive, either through the closing of the switch -56 by the armature 57, or by the closing of the switch 59 through the engagement of the weighted arm 61 therewith.

It is now clear that as long as the car or train continues to pass through the crossing zone A the switches 36. and 37- will remain open,.the eiiect of which is to de-energize the relay 55 and allow the armature -5'7 tobe actuated by the I spring 58 to open the switch 56 and simultaneously trip the pawls 66- and 71- from their holding positions, thus allowing the weighted member =6land ratchet wheel 60- to revolve in a counterclockwise direction to allow the switches -42 and -M to close and to cause the closing of the switch 59-.

This closing of the switch59- closes the circuit passing from battery 11 through line 43, switch 44, lines as and Q5", through switch 51, line 53 and relay 5 L, thence to the battery through line 58, relay 55, switch 59 and line 28 and causes the energizing of the relay 55- to withdraw the member 76 out of engagement with the pawls 66 and -7 1 so that the pulsatoryr current operating through the relay 5lwill cause the pawl 66- to engage and rotate the ratchet wheel 60 and'its weighted member -61 clockwise, thereby allowing the switches 59 and 56- to again open, thuspermitting the weighted arm 61- to again close the switch '59-' to energize the relay: -55 to close the switch 56-', these opera tions being repeated at frequent intervals as long continue to operate in a manner described.

As soon as the car or train has passed the track member the latter. will be slow ly returned to its normal position, thereby causing the switches 36 and -37 to return to theirnormal closedor starting positions. I At this timethe switches -42-+ and 4L4 will still he closed, thereby continuing the energizing of the relay 1'9 and resultant operation of the signals -29- for a limited period of time or until the ratchet wheel 60- and its weighted arm 61 have been returned to their starting positions for opening the switches l2- and i%.

Immediately upon the closing of the switch 37 the relay 55 will be energized by circuit passing from battery 11 through lines 10 and 15, switch 41, line 40, switch 87 and lines 40 and 53 through relay 55, and thence to the battery through switch 59 and lines 80 and 28 to actuate the armature 57 against the action of spring 58 for closing switch 56, and at the same time to withdraw the member -76- from its pawl-engaging position and allowing the pawls to re-engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel 60-, during which the current flow through the closed switch 44- will energize the relays 46- and 54-, causing a pulsatory act-ion oi? the pawl -66- for rotating the ratchet wheel 60 and its weighted arm -61 in a clockwise direction in the manner previously described until the weighted member engages and opens the movable members of both of the members -4-2- and -4ethereby breaking the circuit through the signal controlling relay as the train is passing the crossing zone. A, during which the slgnals 29- will 19-1 and also breaking the circuit through the relays -46 and 54--, while the relay 55 still remains energized due to the current passing through the now closed switch 56 to hold the member, -76- out of engagement with the pawls -66 and -71, thereby permitting the pawls to hold the ratchet wheelinits starting position with its weighted member 61 opening both of the switches and -4, thus completing the cycle of operation. 7

As previously stated the zone C at the other end of the crossing zone is equipped with a track instrument similar to that shown at station B except that its car-operated members as 2' and 3 are arranged in a reverse order so that a car or train passing from zone B through the crossing zone -A- and beyond the station C will first effect the operation of the member -3- to withdraw-the switch member 8'- from its companion switch member 6- for furtheropening the switch as 7, and thus preventing the'closing of switch 7 as the train engages member 2 and the operation of the signals 2$l while the train continues in that direction through zone Onethe other hand, a train approaching the zone G from the opposite direction toward the crossing 'A- will first operate the member ,2 to close the switch 7 whereuponthe relay 13 will be energized by current passing from battery 11 through wire 81, switch 7 and wires 82 and 10 to relay 13, and thence back to the battery through line 10 and immediately following this operation the train will engage and operate the member 3- to withdraw the switch member 8 away from its companion switch member 6 to open the switch 7 and effect the operation of the signals 29 in substantially the same manner as previously described for the track instrument -B. As the train continues to move from the zone -'-C into the crossing zone A- the track member 30-f of the instrument -A'- will be opened in the manner previously described Y to maintain the continued operation of the signals -29 in the same manner as described for a train moving from station E to stationA-.,

It will be noted, however, that as the train continues to move from station -C-- through station A- and onward to station -B it will first operate the member --3 to withdraw the switch member -8 out of the range of movement of the switch member --6 when the latter is operated by the inward movement of the track member 2-.

Under these conditions it is evident that the signals will be operated by a car or train moving along the track in either direction until it has passed the track instrument at the crossing and that the track instrument at either end of the crossing will be operated by a train moving from tl at instrument to ward and beyond the crossing without efiecting the operation of the other track instrument, thus producing what may be called a directional car-controlled signal.

The construction and operation of the apparatus has been described in such full, clear and exact terms as to enable anyone skilled in the art to make and use the same, but it is obvious that various changes may be made in the detail construction without departing from the spirit of this invention.

hat I claim is r 1. In a car-actuated circuit controller for railways, an electric circuit including therein a normally open electric switch, car-operated members arranged in sequence along the railway in the direction of movement of the car, means actuated by the first-member for closing the switch, and means actuated by the second member for opening the switch and holding it open until the car passes the second member, and means for maintaining the switch open and restoring said members after the car passes the second member.

2. In a car-actuated circuit controller for railways, an electric circuit including therein a normally open electric switch, car-operated members arranged in sequence along the railway in the direction of movement of the car, means actuated by the first-member for closing the switch, and means actuated by the second member for opening the switch and holding it open until the car passes the second member, and means for restoring said members after the car passes the second member, an electric signal distant from said members in the direction of movement of the car, and means brought into action by the closing of the switch for operating said signal, and for continuing said operation after the switch is opened by the, second member.

3. In a single-direction car-actuated circuit controller for railways, a track instrument comprising a normally open self-opening electric switch in the circuit to be controlled, car-operated members arranged in juxtaposed sequence adj acentthe track, means actuated by the first member for closing the switch, and means actuated by the second member for opening the switch and for holding it open until the car has passed the same,

a second track instrument distant from the" first-named track instrument in the direction of movement of the car, and provided with a normally closed electric switch and a caractuated member for opening the switch, means brought into action by the closing of the first-named switch for causing the operation of the signal and for continuing said operation while the car is passing from the first-named instrument to the second instrument, and means brought into action by the opening of the switch of the second instrument for continuing the operation of the signal independently of the first-named instrument while the car is passing the second instrument.

4:. In a single-direction car-actuated circuit controller for railways, a track instrument comprising a normally open self-opening electric switch in the circuit to be I controlled, car-operated members arranged in juxtaposed sequence adjacent the track, means actuated by the first member for closing the switch, and means actuated by the second member for opening the switch and for holding it'open until the car has passed the same, a second track instrument distant from the first-named track instrument in the direction of movement of the car, and providecl with a normally closed electric switch and a car-actuated member for opening the switch, means brought into action by the closing of the first-named switch for causing the operation of the signal and for continuing said operation While the car is passing from the first-named instrument to the second instrument, and means brought into action by the opening of the switch of the second instrument for continuing the oper ation of the signal independently of the firstnamed instrument while the car is passing the second instrument, said switch of the second-named instrument being adapted to close as soon as the car has passed said second instrument, and means brought into action by the closing of the switch of the second instrument for stopping the further operation of the signals.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 15 day of December, 1930.

' MARK R. BRINEY. 

